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Lee started his career in Hong Kong with HK$1,000 (US$128) in his early twenties and passed away last week at 97 with an estimated net worth of US$30 billion, as reported by Forbes.
His death was a great loss to the business community across Asia. But the principles for success in life and business he shared will continue to serve as a guiding light for younger entrepreneurs, according to Tattler Asia.
"Small businesses rely on diligence, while large businesses depend on precise calculations."
Lee ventured alone to Hong Kong because he recognized the limitations of his hometown market.
Noticing a wave of migration and rising housing demand in the city, he saw a golden opportunity in real estate and invested all his capital into the sector, founding Eternal Enterprise in 1958.
Lee broke the market norms of selling whole homes by introducing the option to buy individual floors and pay in installments. This strategy allowed his company to sell properties quickly and expand its operations.
He later founded Sun Hung Kai Properties with Fung King Hey and Kwok Tak Seng and guided the firm to great success.
He proved that in a highly competitive market, diligence alone is not enough. Entrepreneurs must be able to analyze the market, anticipate trends, and make precise decisions.
"Opportunities in a crisis are reserved for those who have guts."
During the turbulent 1960s and 70s, Hong Kong’s property prices plunged to just 10% of their previous value, the stock market nearly collapsed, and the global oil crisis further strained the real estate sector.
Amid the turmoil, Lee saw a rare opportunity. He invested heavily to buy low-cost land and founded Henderson Land Development.
Under his leadership, Henderson grew from owning just over 20 properties to more than 100 within a few years. Among them was the city’s landmark International Finance Centre. He later expanded into several other sectors, including hospitality, retail, finance and energy. He became the world’s fourth wealthiest individual by 1996.
Recalling this period, he once shared: "Only by remaining composed during a crisis can you seize the right opportunities."
"If you choose to farm, then just keep working hard at farming."
Lee once said: "As long as you choose the right direction and stay on the right path, you can easily become rich. If you choose to farm, then just keep working hard at farming."
His perseverance was his guiding principle in the ever-changing real estate world, helping him navigate challenges and build powerful business empires. He always kept his composure and patiently waited for the right opportunities to make well-calculated decisions.
He understood that success does not come from fleeting strokes of luck but from the steady accumulation of knowledge and experience over time.
Lee likened the stock market to a school, where investors should focus on learning and improving themselves as much as making profits.
"If your net asset value ever surpasses your knowledge, it will eventually drop back," he said.
"The best way to spend money is on charity."
Lee saw business success as just one part of life, believing true fulfillment came from giving back to society.
"I think simply knowing how to make money should not be considered a success," he told Bloomberg in a 2019 interview. "It is equally important to know how to spend it well. And the best way to spend money is on charity."
The tycoon generously shared his wealth to support those in need and fund schools and hospitals. His philanthropic efforts also focused on education, especially in providing opportunities to underprivileged students.
